Call me old-fashioned but I am quickly getting sick of technology. I constantly feel bombarded by a variety of media. From my daily addiction to e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, text messaging, IM, Skype, watching TV, listening to my iPod, more Facebook, more e-mail, more iPod, I feel like I get nothing done other than keeping up with culture. It would be ludicrous for me to deny that some of these forms of media are absolutely necessary to survive in today's fast-paced world. I could not survive as a student without my e-mail or Internet access. I appreciate the fact that I can video chat with my best friend who is studying abroad 5000 miles away from home. Even just ten years ago, this would have been virtually impossible. Our society has made great strides in terms of always inventing new technology but sometimes I question the true value.
Maybe I do not need to check my Facebook four times a day...nothing REALLY important happens anyway. Or if it does, I would get a phone call about it. And if I am in class, I could always get a text message. When I don't receive a text message in time, someone could always contact me through e-mail...and when I don't respond to my e-mail, they could Instant Message me. If I don't see the message, maybe they could "tweet" me on Twitter. And if I don't happen to be near a computer or a phone, then they are just out of luck! I can always wail until tomorrow to receieve information.
This just goes to show that we have at least six or seven ways of getting in contact with people...and that's without getting creative! Whatever happened to face-to-face contact? Am I the only one who does not want to become obsessed with technology?! Maybe Casual Friday could be replaced with E-Mail Free Friday...it's just a thought. Not sure if it would go over too well, but it's worth a shot.
My cell phone recently lost the ability to send out text messages...thank God! At first, I was beyond annoyed when I was getting text messages concerning school and work commitments that I needed to respond to. But after about a day or two of getting used to it, I found it strangely liberating and freeing. My friends got the hint that they should no longer expect a text from me...sure, I've missed the silly jokes and encouragements throughout the day but I am definitely getting used to it.
I have ALWAYS preferred to be with people. Perhaps I'm spoiled...if I wanted to ta
lk to my best friends in high school, I could just drive 15 minutes at the most and get face time with them. Now, with friends all over the WORLD from Spain to Florida to Virginia to Ohio and everywhere in between, this is no longer possible. I relish the times when my friend calls me from Spain or we get the chance to video chat or my weekly phone dates with everyone. But I certainly do not miss text messaging as I thought I would. Even if I do get it fixed, I'm not going to tell anyone. I used to feel obligated to respond to every text that I got and would feel guilty if I forgot to text someone back but now I have a legitimate excuse--don't tell my friends!!CHALLENGE: Use media only when necessary! That's a tall order but I think it's worth it to try it at least for a week. See what you can come up with...you may find out where your priorities are. You may realize that you do not miss Facebook or blogs or sports scores or online shopping as much as you think you will. Read a book. Go for a run. Take a nap. Cook a good meal. Drink a cup of coffee. When you let go of the attachment and obsession with media, you can rediscover what life is really about. Media is not ALL bad--don't get me wrong, I just am sick of relying on it just to get through the day. Challenge yourself! KICK AWAY THE MEDIA FOR A WEEK!
